General introduction to the one-month retreat theme together with the 3 modes of mindfulness, adjustable according to circumstances.

This talk discusses the first two conditional links described in the Kimatthiya Sutta (“What Purpose?”) (Anguttara Nikaya 10.1), where the Buddha teaches Ananda that wholesome ethical behavior leads to non-regret, which leads to gladness, .... ultimately leading to liberation. Parallels to Upanisa Sutta and Cetana Sutta are discussed.

This morning’s instruction is an invitation to investigate the first two (of the twenty-four) conditions outlined in the Patthana, the last section of Abhidhamma. The first is root condition (hetu-paccaya) and the second is object condition (arammana-paccaya). A brief Q/A by both Nikki Mirghafori and Sayadaw U Jagara ends the session.

This talk discusses the third, fourth, and fifth (piti —> passadhi —> sukha) conditional links described in the Kimatthiya Sutta (“What Purpose?”) (Anguttara Nikaya 10.1), where the Buddha teaches Ananda that wholesome ethical behavior leads to non regret, which leads to gladness, .... ultimately leading to liberation. Conditionality (root condition and object condition) are also discussed at the end of the talk, the latter related to the pith and profound teaching to Bahiya.

Both Sayadaw U Jagara and Nikki Mirghafori share answers and reflections on pre-written questions: What’s the nutriment for equanimity and doubt? What is the difference between a cause and a condition? Explain anatta — If there is not a self, whose kamma gets reborn? Etc.